Price Increase when Canceling due to Hurricane?

[TexasGirl]

Like several of you, I opted to cancel my 7 day (now 4 day) cruise that was affected by Hurricane Frances.

We are now rebooked for a couple of weeks from now...the next time the Eastern 7 day sails.

For all of the rest of you guys rescheduling....is DCL making you pay the difference between what you originally paid and what the rebooked cruise is currently costing? This is what they were asking us to do. Although we had booked way ahead of time, and had received early bird discounts, to rebook we would have to pay walkup price.

On top of that, the lowest category that DLC had available now on the sailings we checked were either navigator veranda or balcony. (We orginally were booked for an outside cabin - with porthole.) When all was said and done it would cost our family almost $900 to just delay the trip 2 weeks due to the storm. That was not a price increase we were prepared to absorb.

Did anyone else run into this with Disney and what was the outcome?

 

[CPM]

Originally posted by TexasGirl
Like several of you, I opted to cancel my 7 day (now 4 day) cruise that was affected by Hurricane Frances.

Did anyone else run into this with Disney and what was the outcome?

You may want to skim through some other threads. I have read they are making them pay the higher price, I think they should have let you rebook at the same price. It couldn't be that many people that have to rebook. As for the category, I guess they can'tr do anything if the lower cat were already sold out.

 

[dzneprincess]

Are you serious? They are making you pay the higher rates? That does not seem fair?

 

[dinnysuw]

i know their website says if you chose to sail on your scheduled cruise you get 50% off and a discounted cruise in the future-i guess they're trying to encourage people tp continue to sail as scheduled. We cruise in under three weeks-I am worried stiff!
Good luck!
Darcy

 

[TooPure4u]

I guess what I am about to say, might make me look like a witch but I do...feel very badly for the people who were looking so forward to this trip and how it has all worked out for you.....because I dont wish that on anyone...BUT...in Disneys defense........it isnt Disney's fault that the hurricane came through. They are trying to make things right by offering a 4 day at 1/2 price and offering vouchers for a future cruise. I would be livid myself if this happened to me....especially after waiting for so long for this vacation to come. I hope whatever you decide...it works out for you....and you end up with a wonderful trip!

 

[TexasGirl]

Well the 4 day cruise is not an option for us due to the flights and airport closures so in essence the cruise was canceled on us.

After 3 conversations with DCL and talking with a supervisor we were able to rebook with no price increase and they gave us an upgrade to the next category since ours was sold out.

They would not have done this we had just accepted status quo. So, my advice is to seek this.

I was not rude to Disney or anything. It just wasn't fair that we were being penalized by paying walk up rates when we had booked far in advance and something like this happened that was out of our control. The airlines are not doing what Disney was suggesting. i.e. If you got a good deal and only paid $100 for your ticket, but due to the hurricane you are rebooking and the current rate is now $500, American, Delta, SouthWest, etc. are not saying...sure we can get you on the flight but that will be and extra $400. Why is Disney taking this stance?

Anyway, we are pleased now but I feel for those shelling out extra money, esp if the sailing is within the same season where there should not have been a price difference. Those cabins are empty right now so it is not like Disney is out the money. Make your current customers happy instead or charging them through the nose and hoping someone will book the room in the meantime.

 

[rae519]

Texas Girl -
I am with you 100%.

We had a very short window of time to decide what to do - sail or cancel. Delta made it very clear that Orlando was closed at noon and so we couldn't get there, and they were NOT taking any reservations for Sunday due to the Hurricane.

There was no option to drive for us so we had to cancel. Yes, we will get a full refund since the opportunity to sail again at a higher rate isn't reasonable to us. We also lose out on the onboard booking discount.

Yes, Disney is being very generous to those who will be able to make the 4 night Magic cruise - but couldn't they have given all of us the opportunity to rebook at either the same rate or with a discount voucher? I guess we can all try to sweet talk with DCL but it should have been equal to all and not just to some.

My insurance ($171) will cover the airline tickets and one hotel stay thankfully.

Rae

 

[allears]

If anyone reads any of our previous posts, you’ll find that we are die-hard fans and supporters of the Disney Company. As a manger in the customer service profession, I just marvel at the level of service and excellence they achieve day in and day out. Also as a manger, I can only begin to comprehend the massive logistical nightmare this has been and continues to be for the cruise line.

However, I have to agree with those of you re-booking and having to pay an increased price. I can only assume that there may be some logical, business reason why, but I haven’t been able to come up with it. If you take this cruise, you’ll get a partial refund, on board credit and a discount on a future cruise. Doesn’t it seem like Disney might be making out better if you cancel and get re-scheduled on a future cruise and just charge you what you’ve already paid. Especially if you’re on the seven night. That gives you three more days to spend money on the ship that you wouldn’t have if you take the four-night alternative.

Again, I think Disney has done a fine job trying to make as many people happy with multiple situations that they have no control over. And I hope someone gets a reasonable explanation as to why they would decide to charge “walk up” prices for those who have to re-schedule. Especially those of you who no fault of your own can’t get to the abbreviated sailing.

We sail on the 25th, so all of this has been very interesting to us, as we may end up in a similar, if you’ll pardon the pun, boat.

Good luck to you all and thanks for keeping us informed.

 

[rae519]

Originally posted by TexasGirl
After 3 conversations with DCL and talking with a supervisor we were able to rebook with no price increase and they gave us an upgrade to the next category since ours was sold out.

They would not have done this we had just accepted status quo. So, my advice is to seek this.

We just called and politely asked if we could reschedule. Our answer was yes with the price increase! I mentioned that someone on the Disney Boards had been able to book without the increase and was told that it was impossible.

Not doubting your word, just finding out how things work!! I was told to write Guest Communications.

Rae

 

[TexasGirl]

In talking to my TA, there was at least one other guest through them who also was offered this. I would try again.

We didn't get our wish granted with the first call. It took a call from me, a call from my husband, and finally Disney called us and brought a supervisor into the mix.

I think this shouldn't have been an exception for us. They really need to be doing this for whoever asks...I would keep pushing.

We did this through the regular disney phone #.

 

[dzneprincess]

Rae, as often as you sail with DCL I can not believe that they are not willing to work with you and your family. I do understand that DCL had no control over the weather situation, but I feel that if cruisers are willing to change their sailing week within a certain window of time, maybe 4 weeks (not sure what would be fair) than there should be no price penalty. Rae, please keep on this and anyone else who was affected. It should be the same for everyone. As the saying goes, the squeaky wheel gets the oil, or something like that..

 

[rae519]

Hi Amanda -

As it was with the cancelled Norwalk Virus cruise - everyone should be treated equally. IF they provide a discount to one cancelled Magic cruiser, then they should provide the same for all.
And what is the big deal if they did give us a discount for future travel?!!!!

My husband Tom was very disappointed with how Disney handled this because he felt that it was irresponsible for Disney to encourage people to travel to Florida while it was in a state of emergency and evacuation. We chose to not travel and having insurance, knew we'd get our money refunded.

I asked my TA to see if the 25% discount would be offered to us, and the answer was "NO". Later I read about TexasGirl's discount and realize that I should just try myself, my answer was also "NO".

After everything, Amanda, my gut feeling is just to tell Disney to keep their cruises and we can do something else with our vacation dollars!!

Rae

 

[dzneprincess]

Originally posted by rae519
Hi Amanda -

As it was with the cancelled Norwalk Virus cruise - everyone should be treated equally. IF they provide a discount to one ".

After everything, Amanda, my gut feeling is just to tell Disney to keep their cruises and we can do something else with our vacation dollars!!

Rae

And a lot of dollars that would be. DCL would be foolish to treat their customers this way. Keep us updated please.
PS Rae, my DS CJ was talking about Micheal's halloween costume from last year. Can you tell me how to make it?

 

[rae519]

Michael's costume was easy - pm me and I'll give you all the information (tomorrow). It's really, really easy and fun!!! The only good picture of it was taken by KEH's husband. I'll try to get a copy of it for you.

Again, hopefully Disney will reconsider their position - but if you consider the number of people who want to sail Disney, they really don't have to keep us repeaters loyal to them.

Rae

 

[TexasGirl]

We were very upset when they weren't letting us rebook. You are right. It seemed they could care less about the current customers, they felt there would be more customers behind us so if they lost our patronage...oh well.

We are relieved they reversed their original decision. It is very upsetting to read that they are not offering others that same courtesy.

If they had not let us rebook we would have either

a. taken a full refund and NOT taken a vacation at all.

or

b. taken a full refund and taken those dollars to book a cruise on RCL. (Which we've sailed with 3 times)

Regardless, if they didn't do what that did, they would have been out our thousands of dollars not to mention what we would have spent on board and on execursions. It was really a no brainer to me. ..one they should offer everyone. Esp repeat cruisers.

By the way, my TA told me that Carnival was allowing their passengers affected by Frances to rebook without penalty. Carnival having better service than DCL? That isn't pretty shameful.

 

[smchan]

Considering Disney is offering Florida resident rates into October, Disney ought to be able to rebook with price increases. Hope this works out for everyone.

I typically drive down and if I were slated to sail this week, I'd want to rebook too. The local news (North Carolina) said I-95 was clogged with evacuees - and I imagine it'll be the same going back into Florida as well - nevermind the damage, power outages, gas shortages, etc.

Sam

 

[CPM]

Also in the hospitality business here. I find it odd that Disney is handling the rebooking so poorly. People taht are saying Disney is doing is right are teh ones getting things done the way they want it done.
In the scheme of things there really aren't that many people out there on the two affected cruises that need rebooking at the same price. Why not just comply?
They are offering people that are staying with this cruise so many more options then those of you that have to cancel. This just doesn't seem right.
RCCI and CCL seem to really have the best policy for this situation.
I find it so unfair that those people that have been able to hang in there & go on this doomed cruise are getting so much. 50% off this one, 25% off next one, free resort room tonight & park passes! If you canceled you get your money back? Umm
Makes me want to book one when I know Ivan is coming & hold on.

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

I am one of the people who had to pay a higher price. I was booked for the Sept. 5. Weather looked terrible and felt that pushing it back a week would be alot better. Well, I took a $406 hit to go from a Cat 12 (I booked at a great price in Jan) and got upgraded to a Cat 11 on deck five, had first dining and reservations made for the REAS package. Well I am now booked on the Sept. 12 Wonder and have a Cat. 12 room, on the waiting list for first dining and no reservations for my REAS package (and am $406 poorer!!). At the time I was kind of okay with it. My DH was mad. I cooled him off and now I am not too happy after reading this thread. What do I do now? I did talk to my TA, a CM and a manager with DCL and they all said that I had to pay the upgrade. I had another problem with DCL 6 years ago. We booked for late June of 1998. Paid the deposit and had a Land/Sea package. One of my co-workers came to me one day and said that the DCL boat was still in Italy!!!!! No call from DCL- this was just a few weeks before the cruise. So I called and they did nothing for us. So 6 years later we have the money to try again. It happens to be the first cruise DCL ever cancels due to weather. Just our luck. Now they get even more of my money. Maybe I should write a letter to DCL. What can I do???

 

[WisconsinDisneyGirl]

Oh ya--
I did all of this on Sept. 3 and the money was taken out of my checking account early Sept. 4. DCL takes your money pretty quick..............

 

[Rachelizabeth]

Hi everybody.....I also cancelled my cruise, came to that sad realization tonight that we just can't go.

I drove from Indiana and made it all the way to Lake City FL. Soooooooooo close, but yet so far! I am in a city that is under curfew from 9:30pm tonight to 9:30 am on Tuesday morning. I just don't see how we could make it to Orlando in time.

I felt all along that Disney was very reassuring and positive and after 20-30 phone calls I was continuously told that the ship would sail and that we would have a magical cruise.
I know that there is nothing they can do about the weather. However, I do feel that they could have been more realistic on the phone. Every person that I have spoken with has been very pleasant and professional, they have all been so nice. However, I do wish they would have forwarned me about the effects of the hurricane. It might have prevented unnecessary anxiety attacks.
Tornadoes petrify me, I've been watching out the window continuously, we have been under Tornado watches and warnings for the past 2 days.

I tried my hardest to get to the cruise. It's just not possible any longer. I am getting a full refund, that is a blessing. Hopefully insurance will help pay for the some of the expenses that I have incurred, however, it is unlikely they will cover all since I cancelled willingly.

I so want to go on a cruise......I've had dreams about this cruise for a long time. My husband starts a new job on Monday (9/13). I don't know when he will be eligible for vacation, so it may quite some time before we can rebook. Maybe we can go during spring break or next summer, albeit at a much higher price. It's not anyone's fault, we just picked the wrong week to cruise. We should have picked last week instead! What crummy timing.

Anyhow, I will be in touch with my TA tomorrow. I hope the sun comes out

Rachel < A hoosier in the sunshine state